Space weather is more active than usual ahead of Christmas due to fast solar wind from a large coronal hole, which has already produced minor (G1) geomagnetic storms. Solar wind speeds peaked near 500 miles (≈800 km) per second and are currently around 430 miles (≈700 km) per second. Forecasters expect elevated geomagnetic activity through Dec. 24–25, and a Dec. 20 CME could graze Earth on Dec. 24, briefly boosting aurora chances. The best viewing will be limited to high latitudes — Alaska, northern Canada, Greenland, Scandinavia and far northern Scotland — and location-based apps like My Aurora Forecast & Alerts or Space Weather Live can help you track local odds.
Northern Lights: Higher Odds This Christmas As Space Weather Remains Unsettled
Fast solar wind and a possible glancing blow from a coronal mass ejection could spark auroras over Christmas. | Credit: Roberto Moiola / Sysaworld via Getty Images
If you're hoping for a festive sky show this Christmas week, near-Earth space is more active than usual — increasing the chance of auroras for observers at high latitudes.
What's Happening
Fast solar wind streaming from a large coronal hole on the Sun has already produced minor (G1) geomagnetic storms. Forecasters from NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center and the U.K. Met Office say these unsettled conditions are likely to persist through Dec. 24–25, raising the odds of auroral displays, especially on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Why It Matters
The driver is an unusually rapid solar wind flow. Solar wind speeds peaked near 500 miles (≈800 kilometers) per second earlier this week and are currently averaging about 430 miles (≈700 km) per second — roughly twice typical background speeds — which helped trigger the recent G1 storms.
Aurora forecast tonight courtesy of NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center. | Credit: Map: NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, background: Canva Pro.
A Possible Wildcard
There is also a potential coronal mass ejection (CME) that left the Sun on Dec. 20. Forecasters say it could pass close to Earth around Dec. 24 and deliver a glancing blow. While no clearly Earth-directed CME has been confirmed, even a near-miss could briefly amplify auroral activity by further disturbing the already unsettled solar wind.
Where You'll See It
Any aurora enhancement is most likely to be visible at high latitudes: Alaska, northern Canada, Greenland, Scandinavia and the far north of Scotland. In the U.S., the best odds are for states such as Alaska, Washington, North Dakota and Minnesota. A widespread, low-latitude aurora outbreak is unlikely.
How To Stay Informed & Capture It
To track local chances, use a location-based aurora forecast app. Two commonly used apps are My Aurora Forecast & Alerts and Space Weather Live (both available for iOS and Android). Space Weather Live can give a deeper read on current conditions, while My Aurora Forecast provides simple, location-specific alerts.
If you plan to photograph the lights, choose a dark sky location away from city lights, use a tripod, wide-aperture lens, and long exposures. Consult a reliable guide on photographing auroras for specific camera settings and tips.
Bottom line: Expect elevated geomagnetic activity through Dec. 24–25 with the best chance of seeing the northern lights at high latitudes. Keep an eye on forecasts and local sky conditions for the best chance to catch a festive auroral display.
